Avoiding dairy, wheat, and meat sometimes makes for a depressing breakfast. As I am moving towards a more plant based diet, this is a major struggle. Popular breakfast choices like pancakes, bacon, sausage, toast, eggs, and yogurt are off limits. I know there are a lot of recipes outs there, but have trouble finding replacements for some of my favorites that I truly enjoy. Workdays are especially difficult as I don’t have time to prepare a kale and sweet potato hash. This is when I was happy to find Protein Energy balls. This is something I make a batch of and eat 4-6 for each morning. They stop me from dipping to the guidance office for candy, give me energy, and keep me full well into my planning/lunch break. These are two recipes I use:
- “Chocolatey” Version
Ingredients: chia seeds, flaxseeds, oats, cashews, almond butter, honey/agave nectar/maple syrup, coco powder, orange zest.
2. “Vanilla-y” verson
Ingredients: same as above except no coco power, and add banana, and vanilla extract.
Directions: Place all ingredients in blender or food processor and pulse until crumbly yet mushy consistency is reached. Scoop spoonfuls out and roll into balls. Refrigerant until time of desired consumption.
Notes/Variations:
- I will sometimes add dried fruit like cranberries, but have lately refrained because they typically have added sugar.
- I know that honey is not vegan. You can choose whichever natural syrupy sweetener suites you best.
- For the “vanilla-y” version I sometimes used lemon zest instead of orange zest.
- Adding cinnamon and/chili powder to the “Chocolatey” ones adds a nice kick.
- I usually use 2 of either chia seeds, flaxseeds, or oats. I rarely have all 3 stocked at the same time. Omitting the oats will make these paleo friendly.
- You could absolutely substitute other nuts such as walnuts or almonds instead of the cashews.
- I’ve recipes that roll with in coconut. I wish I liked coconut like that, it seems like such as great idea. Fell free to do this if you enjoy the taste of coconut flakes.
- The banana in the vanilla-y ones can make the ball very mushy as it warms up. I would freeze these for a little bit and eat quicker so it doesn’t get too messy.
I hope you find this useful and enjoy!
Healthy.Nappy.Nerdy.Mommy. 
These sound so yummy! I’m going to have to try the chocolate variation. The kale and sweet potato hash sounds good too. I don’t like eggs myself, so I love new ideas for breakfast that don’t involve them!
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I have pinned it and will let you know how we get on once we’ve given it a go! One thing that really saved me when I was doing veganuary was overnight oats with chia seeds. You can really mix your toppings and so forth. Thanks for sharing!
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I love this post as I am transitioning into this lifestyle, I definitely want to try this!!!
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I love your recipes, but dont be fooled into thinking that vegan pancakes arent the most easiest thing in the world (the joys of using bananas), if you fancy learning more drop me a line and i can guide you with some ideas!
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What also makes it tricky is the fact that I’m allergic to wheat and using wheat alternatives haven’t worked out from me yet. Let me know if you go vegan and wheat free recipes.
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ahhh have no fear! i have some recipes you can have a go with dont you worry, can you drop me a line via my contact page so i can email you some stuff? just checking are you ok with bananas?
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Yes. I love bananas. I’ll be sure to do that.
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We need to chat. I’m too! How are you with buckwheat?
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Nice, I think I will try this recipe 🙂 To give you some breakfast ideas, some of my favourite vegan breakfasts are multigrain toast topped with chunky peanut butter, banana slices and syrup drizzle. You can also sprinkle chia seeds if you like. Porridge with non dairy milk is also great because you can customize the toppings. Hope this gives you some idea!
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I’m also allergic to wheat and peanuts but I’ve never tried porride is it made from wheat?
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Oh no, sorry, I didnt know! Porrige is made of oats. However, oats are often made in factories that produce wheat too
Have you heard of deliciously Ella? she is a gluten free vegan and has lots or recipes you may like xx
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Oats might still be OK. My wheat allergy is mild and I don’t have a sensitivity to gluten. I just typically use the too interchangeably because gluten free is the “buzz word” so it’s easy when searching for recipes.
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Are the oats you’re using gluten-free? If the package doesn’t say it’s gluten free, it isn’t ☺
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Thank you for the tip. I have a wheat allergy so I typically just use gluten free interchangeably, but gluten is OK for me. But I’ll keep that in mind as far as giving information for others.
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Okay, sounds good ☺
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Lovely idea. This might help me with my weight goals 😊.
You can add chopped dates for a chewy bite, also lots of iron.
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These look great! I am a nutritionist and I just started my own blog about healthy and affordable eating (all gluten free), so feel free to check it out! 🙂
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Looks tasty
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These look awesome, but I also enjoy pancakes, french toast, yogurt w fruit and granola, etc for breakfast – there are so many vegan options now. And most recipes are easily veganizable with just a tweak or two, and believe me, I’m no fancy cook!
I think your recipe looks great for a “grab’n’run” breakfast or snack, I’ll def give them a try!
Bettye
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Yea that’s what I use them for. I make a batch and leave them in the refrigerator at work.
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